Related Articles

Most students enter SAT testing centers hoping to achieve the highest score possible. By the time they leave, many no longer feel so optimistic. If you are one of the numerous test takers who are not satisfied with their score, do not feel deterred. The SAT can be retaken, and there are ways to improve. Before repeating the exam, you should identify your problem areas, read articles written at the SAT level, consider a tutor and take numerous SAT prep tests.

Identify Weakness

After receiving your SAT exam scores, locate your areas of weakness. Results are broken down by subject, so finding the problem spots should be easy. You may get additional insight into your troubles by examining the questions you missed on SAT practice tests. Look for a pattern or errors that occur inside each subject area. Focusing on your deficits will help you capitalize on your practice time and obtain a higher score on subsequent tests.

Read SAT Level Material

Reading, reading and more reading of content written at the SAT level can help you boost your cumulative score. One notable source of SAT level material is the New York Times. Reviewing this and similar news publications will improve your vocabulary and reading comprehension skills. Once you are used to looking at relatively intricate articles, feeling the need to reread SAT content will be less of a problem. Furthermore, reading periodicals written at the SAT level can serve a dual purpose. It speeds up your comprehension and strengthens your knowledge base.

A300 mobile placeholder

Get a Tutor

Investing in a private SAT tutor, online tutor or standardized testing agency instructor could pay off. It may be a good idea to keep your area of weakness in mind when you search for instructors, and secure a high school teacher that specializes in that discipline. If an experienced instructor is unavailable or unaffordable, a peer tutor who performed well on the SAT may also be a good choice.

Take SAT Prep Classes

Enrolling in a private or group SAT prep class is a great way to boost your score. There are SAT prep classes offered by high schools and external agencies. These classes highlight strategies that focus on how to take the test and clarify test content. Courses are available in several formats, including in-person sessions and online live instruction. Some of courses allow students to target specific subject areas while others focus on the overall exam.

Photo Credits

Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images

About the Author

Katherine Bradley began writing in 2006. Her education and leadership articles have been published on Education.com, Montessori Leadership Online and the Georgia Educational Researcher. Bradley completed a Ph.D. in educational leadership from Mercer University in 2009.